FAU Poll: Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic Heading into New Year

Hispanic consumer confidence rebounded sharply at the end of 2025, offering an early signal of improving economic sentiment heading into the new year, according to new data from Florida Atlantic University's Business and Economic Polling Initiative (BEPI).

Hispanic consumer confidence rebounded sharply at the end of 2025, offering an early signal of improving economic sentiment heading into the new year, according to new data from Florida Atlantic University's Business and Economic Polling Initiative (BEPI).

The Hispanic Consumer Sentiment Index (HCSI) rose to 85.8 in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 14 points from 71 in the third quarter of 2025.Overall, optimism increased across all five questions used to construct the HCSI amid growing confidence around personal finances, job stability and economic expectations for the year ahead.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, 55% of Hispanics said they are better off financially than a year ago, up from 51% in the third quarter of 2025.

More Hispanic consumers also expect to be better off financially in the year ahead (69% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 56% in the third quarter).

"We are seeing a meaningful rebound in optimism among Hispanic consumers as we move into 2026," said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., chair of the department of economics and director of BEPI. "While many families are still feeling the impact of higher living costs, the increase in confidence about personal finances and the broader economy suggests that Hispanics are beginning the new year with a more hopeful outlook."

Fifty-five percent of Hispanics expect the country to experience good business conditions in the near term, up from 44% in the third quarter of 2025.

Regarding the long-term outlook for the economy, 56% of Hispanics expect the country's economy to be good over the next five years, up from 44% in the third quarter of 2025.

"For businesses, this growing optimism matters," Escaleras said. "As confidence improves, we are likely to see stronger consumer spending, especially on durable goods like cars, appliances and home-related purchases. Companies that understand the Hispanic market and respond to its needs will be well-positioned as this confidence translates into economic activity."

In the fourth quarter of 2025, 48% of Hispanics believe it is a good time to buy big-ticket items, up from 39% in the third quarter.

The poll is based on a sample of 540 Hispanic adults aged 18 or older. The survey was administered via both landline IVR and online via Rep. Respondents were sampled between Oct.1 and Dec. 31, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 4.2 percentage points. Responses for the entire sample were weighted to reflect the national distribution of the Hispanic population by gender, age, education and income, based on the latest American Community Survey data. Full responses found here.

-FAU-